Martha Stewart Living Newsletter

Introduction

Dogs and cats can get into character too, as long as they don't bother them with itchy, fussy ensembles. Take our tips from Katherine Miller, director of applied science and research for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "A pet's ability to bear wearing a costume depends on the pet and its past experiences with clothes, collars, and harnesses," Miller says. Costumes like this one using a collar and petaled felt embellishments should not impede a pet's ability to breathe, move, see, or hear. Try on the costume a week before Halloween. Have your pet wear the piece during positive times such as meals, walks, or play. A relaxed posture and tail is a sign that your dog or cat is comfortable. But if your pet is restless or depressed, tries to bite or pull the clothes off, or hides, it's unhappy. Before you take your dog to a parade or out trick-or-treating, consider how at ease it will be in a loud, strange-looking crowd. "Your pet is likely to be overwhelmed, so you must watch out for its safety and personal space," Miller says. If you see signs that your dog has had enough, go on home.

For more tips and tricks, scroll through our entire collection of Pet Costumes.

steps

Print petal template or sunflower template. Trace the shape on the felt, and cut out petals. Fold them in half lengthwise, and stitch close to the fold, from the flat end to 2/3 of the way up; this will give the petals dimension. Stitch the petals to the ribbon, overlapping them by almost half. Add Velcro fasteners at the ends of the ribbon.